Eye Makeup Safety Guide: 5 Essential Tips for Protecting Your Vision

Does makeup irritate your eyes?

Eye cosmetics are often used to highlight the beauty of the eyes. However, some individuals experience adverse reactions such as burning, itching, and watering of the eyes—symptoms that are frequently associated with dry eye syndrome.

If you suspect that your eye makeup might be contributing to these symptoms, there are several steps you can take to lessen your discomfort.

Here are a few strategies to help shield your eyes from irritation, allowing you to enjoy wearing your eye makeup without worry.

Read packaging labels carefully

Always opt for products that have received FDA approval.

The FDA oversees cosmetic safety under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). According to this regulation, cosmetics should not contain harmful substances and must be accurately labeled to ensure they are not misleading or hazardous to consumers.

Be cautious as many retailers carry products without proper labels— not every makeup pencil is meant for eyeliner use, and tubes with applicators may not always be mascara.

It is crucial to avoid using unlabeled makeup products near your delicate eye area to prevent irritation.

1. Keep your eye makeup products clean

Make it a habit to thoroughly cleanse your hands and face before applying any makeup.

This practice helps maintain the cleanliness of your makeup and tools by preventing the transfer of bacteria and germs. Additionally, it’s wise to disinfect your brushes after every use or to sharpen your eyeliner before each application to ensure hygiene.

2. Only apply makeup to the outside of your eyes

Blocked glands in your eyelids can lead to significant dry eye issues.

Applying eye makeup directly to the inner lids may lead to an accumulation of particles, potentially obstructing the small meibomian glands found along the edges of your upper and lower eyelids.

These glands are crucial as they release oils that help maintain the health of your tear film and ensure your eyes stay comfortable. It is vital to keep these glands unobstructed to preserve good tear quality.

Contact an eye doctor near you if you wear makeup and experience any eye pain or irritation. 

3. Never share eye makeup

It’s crucial to avoid sharing eye makeup, brushes, and eyelash curlers with others.

Using communal makeup and tools, whether with friends, family, or even store testers, can expose you to harmful microbes, including bacteria and fungi. This practice increases the risk of contracting severe bacterial and viral infections in the eyes.

4. Replace your makeup often

Eye makeup not only has an expiration date, but it can also become contaminated very quickly, particularly if you’ve recently suffered from a virus or an eye infection.

Always verify the expiration dates on your makeup products. Concurrently, take the opportunity to either replace or thoroughly clean your applicators.

5. Remove eye makeup daily

Leaving eye makeup on overnight can greatly increase your chances of developing blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids.

Make it a routine to remove your makeup before bedtime using an oil-free makeup remover or cleansing wipe.

This not only leaves you feeling fresh and clean as you go to sleep but also makes applying makeup the next morning smoother.

By adhering to these tips, you might find that your eyes remain comfortable even when wearing makeup.

However, if you continue to experience dryness and irritation in your eyes, it is advisable to seek a consultation with an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination.

Your eye doctor will be able to identify the causes of your discomfort and suggest a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying issues.

For some individuals, symptoms like burning, itching, and tearing from eye makeup may signal dry eye or an underlying infection.

Follow these guidelines to safeguard your eyes, allowing you to confidently enjoy your eye makeup.